Teacher Fue Xiong and social worker Meagen Mulvey learn about the proper use of student seclusion and restraint during training last month at Einstein Middle School in Appleton.

Written by

Jim Collar
Post-Crescent Media

Although restraining or secluding students at times is necessary, employees at Fox Cities schools go to great lengths to avoid having to do so, school administrators say.

Use of the techniques has drawn criticism and controversy. In Appleton, former teacher Mary Berglund was convicted of misdemeanor battery in 2011 based on her handling of elementary-age special education students.

Under a state law passed in 2012, school districts must track how often students are removed from their classrooms or physically restrained, report each case to parents within one business day and give a ...